Summit for Peace in Americas gathers pace

On June 4, 2018, over 1200 attendees including leaders of society, religious representatives, youth, and media participated in the ‘Peace Summit of the Americas’ event at the Business Expo Center in Anaheim to discuss the way for advancing peace in their cities.

The participants gathered their support for the establishment of a peace law based on the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) suggested by the host organisation, HWPL.

The DPCW addresses principles of conflict resolution and international cooperation for peacebuilding such as respect for international law, peaceful dispute settlement, and spreading a culture of peace.

Rising enthusiasm

Rosalia Arteaga Serrano, Former President of Ecuador, said, “We can see enthusiasm through the recent encounter of the two Koreas and the possibility of reducing the use of weapons of mass destruction that can be lethal for humanity. With the best investment of education, health and employment for young adults, education is the only way to go forward. It is not utopian to think about absence of war.”

Article 2 of the DPCW says the reduction of war potential and conversion of weapons for the benefit of humanity should be established.

Huge expenditure

Currently, approximately $1.8 billion is spent annually to build or acquire weapons.

“If we can get nations to commit themselves and apply this article, how many schools could be built to end illiteracy? How many families can have their own living spaces?” Orli Mesias Haro Carranza, Bishop of Anglican Church of Ecuador, said.

HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee said, “Weapons are made for the purpose of killing people from the time they are made. It is already a sin that they are created, and it causes dispute, so we should not make them again. And I think the weapons that we already made should be reused as a living tool.”

Value of Peace

“All the members of HWPL have sent letters to all parts of the world for support. All schools should educate students about peace, and the current presidents who love the country and the people must sign the DPCW to enact an international law for peace that eradicates war. Also, the religious leaders need to teach the value of peace to their members so that they can join together in becoming peace messengers.” Mr Lee added.

At this event, HWPL concluded a partnership with the city of Maywood in California and the city of Romita in the state of Guanajuato in Mexico, to create a ‘Peaceful Cultural City.’

HWPL also signed an MOU with GOALS Academy in Anaheim, California to provide a ‘Peace Education Programme.’

HWPL, meaning Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light, is an international peace NGO affiliated with UN ECOSOC and UN DPI. During a peace tour in the Americas, including Washington DC, New York, and LA, HWPL participated in a conference titled ‘Intercultural Dialogue for Peace and Development’ held at the UN Headquarters to create a foundation of understanding and tolerance.

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Photo Caption:

MoU between Maywood (California) and Romita (Guanajuato in Mexico) and GOALS Academy in Anaheim